TAMPA, Fla. – The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released the 2018 edition of its preeminent report, Rating the States, assessing the residential building code systems in 18 hurricane-prone states.

New Jersey scored the fourth highest amongst 18 Atlantic and Gulf Coast States this year, earning 90 out of 100 possible points. New Jersey was one of only four states that earned 90 or more points in the 2018 rating. Florida finished first with 95, Virginia was second with 94 and South Carolina placed third with 92. In the previous IBHS rating report, issued in 2015, New Jersey earned 89 points, also finishing fourth.

The release of the 2018 edition of Rating the States follows a disastrous year of storms in 2017, and is well-timed to inform discussion and action to improve building strength as communities repair or replace homes damaged by hurricanes last year. The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1.

"What can and must stop is the continued construction, and inevitable destruction, of weak, vulnerable homes built – and too often rebuilt – in questionable locations," said Julie Rochman, IBHS CEO and president. "We must build stronger, to code standards proven to reduce risk, and stop allowing today’s weather events to become painful, expensive disasters for homeowners, communities, states and the entire nation.”

Posted!

This three-bedroom stone ranch in Hillsborough has been completely updated with a new kitchen, new baths, a finished lower level that could be a guest suite and much more. ~Courtesy of Tom Collins, Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

According to Jill F. Hasling, co-founder of the Weather Research Center, the 2018 Hurricane Season is forecast to be similar in its ferocity to what the U.S.A. experienced last year. In 2017 there were 17 named storms, including 10 hurricanes (six of which became major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher)," said Hasling.

Like its predecessors, the newest edition of Rating the States assesses the progress of 18 hurricane-prone coastal states along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Seaboard in strengthening their residential building code systems. IBHS issued prior versions of this landmark report in 2012 and 2015.

Rochman added IBHS believes codes that are poorly enforced, lagging current standards or simply nonexistent at a statewide level create a regrettable set of circumstances and unnecessary hazards. Benefits of a strong, well-enforced and routinely updated code include:

♦ Giving residents a sense of security about the safety and soundness of their buildings.

♦ Offering protection to first responders during and after fires and other disaster events.

♦ Promoting a level, predictable playing field for designers, builders, and suppliers.

♦ Reducing the amount of solid waste in landfills produced by homes that have been damaged or destroyed during disasters.

In developing its comprehensive Rating the States report, IBHS assessed 47 important data points to address the effectiveness of the states’ residential building code programs. This included code adoption and enforcement; building official training and certification; and licensing requirements for construction trades. The report also offers a clear roadmap with specific details for states to follow as they seek to update and improve their code systems.

Getting ready now for Hurricane Season 2018

Before a hurricane is even on the radar, homeowners are encouraged to assure that four key components of their home are safe and secure: the roof, windows, garage door and entry doors. If any of these areas are compromised during severe weather, then hurricane-force winds can enter the structure and cause massive damage.

“Because there were so many severe hurricane situations in 2017, it’s important to perform a thorough check now of your home exterior,” says Tim Carter, founder and president of AsktheBuilder.com. “While your home may have held up well during last year’s weather, the strength of your home’s key exterior products may have been compromised.

“It’s smart to hire a professional to evaluate if your roof and other entry/opening areas of the home need to be fixed or replaced before the 2018 Hurricane Season. You want to make sure there are no loose tiles on your roof, that window frames are still securely in place, and that even the sealants around your doors are in good shape,” Carter added.

Starting from the top of the home down, make sure your roof is secure and can sustain both straight line and pressurized winds during a hurricane. Severe winds can uplift shingles off a roof, push intense wind-driven rain at a roof, or cause flying debris to strike a roof.

The smart decision is to select a roof product that meets Class 4 ratings for impact resistance.

In hurricane-prone areas, windows created to meet coastal building codes are critical. Impact-resistant windows are made to offer exceptional storm protection, from not just wind and rain, but also from wind-borne debris.

The final “at risk” component of your home are your doors --- both your entry doors and your garage door. Flying debris can impact and damage average doors. Selecting heavy-gauge steel or aluminum garage doors, made to meet hurricane-area codes, is the best way to help protect your home.

Entryways into the home — especially the garage door — are vulnerable to impact from flying debris from hurricane-strength winds along with air force that can potentially push in or pull out a garage door. Passing two industry tests — DASMA 108 for static air pressure, and DASMA 115 for impact and cyclical wind pressure — are critical for garage doors.

Before the onset of Hurricane Season 2018, take time to evaluate the structures where you live and work. Make upgrades and changes now that can prepare you to weather upcoming storms.